Too early to say NATO will lose U.S. — former Finnish intelligence chief

Pekka Toveri, Finland's former Chief of Military Intelligence and Member of the European Parliament, stated this in an interview with Espreso.

"We must remember that President Trump is not the United States. The vast majority of Congress members—by some estimates over 80%—support U.S. membership in NATO. That's precisely why, after Trump's first term, Congress passed a law preventing the president from unilaterally pulling the United States out of NATO. It's not his decision to make. Congress understands that it's in America's interests to have a strong, effective NATO that enhances the security of both the United States and Europe," commented Finland's former Chief of Military Intelligence.

According to him, President Trump could theoretically withdraw some troops from Europe. But even here, Congress has put safeguards in place: the current National Defense Authorization Act, within the U.S. defense budget, includes restrictions that significantly complicate any withdrawal of troops or removal of American officers from NATO's command structure.

"So it's premature to talk about a NATO crisis or the Alliance being on the verge of losing the United States. I don't think that will happen. Moreover, NATO as an organization is functioning more effectively than ever, as member countries are investing more resources and effort into defense. New capabilities are emerging, forces are being strengthened, new weapons systems are coming online, and the number of exercises continues to grow," noted the Member of the European Parliament.

Toveri added that NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte recently addressed the European Parliament and clearly emphasized that the Alliance is functioning effectively, maintains high combat readiness, and is prepared to counter any potential threats and military attacks from Russia, while simultaneously strengthening support for Ukraine.

• On January 9, French Parliament Vice President Clémence Guetté announced that she had submitted a proposal for France to withdraw from NATO due to U.S. President Donald Trump's policies.